5096 —הדרכה על השפעה על תלמיד להמשיך לימודו בישיבה

B"H, 2nd of Shevat, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 24th of Teves, which is the yahrzeit of our master the Alter Rebbe, author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch: (a) How should one act in order to influence a yeshiva student to continue his studies in yeshiva? It is understood through explanation that our Torah is a Torah of life—literally life in this world—and it is clear since it was given by the Creator of the world in general and the Creator of man in particular. Only He, blessed be He, can know what is truly good for a person living in this world. The Creator gave us detailed instructions in His Torah, and one of its main commandments is Torah study. There is added importance to studying during the days that serve as a foundation and preparation for one's path when leaving the confines of home, synagogue, and study hall. Many words of inspiration and explanation about this are found in books generally and especially in Chassidic works.

(b) How to banish distracting thoughts that confuse during prayer and study: One piece of advice is to learn from a book—even when reviewing a topic mentally, keep the book open before you on that subject. When you feel your mind starting to wander, look into the book; the letters grasp you, clarify things, and illuminate.

(c) The matter of disturbing dreams: It is known and hinted at also in the sayings of our Sages that "a person sees only from his heart's thoughts," meaning dreams are products of idle thoughts during the day. When one reduces the cause, naturally its effect diminishes. Since there are other causes for dreams (see Tanya ch. 29 and elsewhere), one should be careful with reciting Shema before bed so that one's body is pure; be careful with Ezra's immersion; ensure the mezuzah on one's room door is kosher.

(d) Strengthening matters of faith and trust: Study Chassidus abundantly and increase all that was mentioned above.

(e) How to behave toward those who oppose Chassidus: It is astonishing how anyone could oppose part of G‑d's Torah; surely this comes from ignorance about what Chassidus truly is. Therefore it is proper not to enter into arguments but rather spread the light of Torah—and especially its inner dimension—as much as possible by increasing one's own learning and influencing one's environment so that this learning spreads there as well. As above—without entering into arguments—opposition will naturally decrease while knowledge and wisdom in Chassidus will increase.

You surely know that on the tenth of this month (Shabbos Parshas Beshalach), which falls this year on Shabbos Parshas Beshalach—the yahrzeit of my revered father-in-law the Rebbe zatzal—everyone who wishes to be connected with his teachings becomes inspired on this day to add in Torah study and beautify mitzvah observance.

Blessings for good news in all mentioned above.

P.S.: As you requested—and as an exception—I am signing myself here. But even when my secretary signs, it is obvious that I first read all letters addressed to me and dictate responses for all those signed with my name; before they are sent out I review them again. It is strange anyone would suspect otherwise—Jews have never been suspected regarding such matters.

1 Additionally consider: most dreams are nonsense or negative spirit because one's soul does not ascend above. As it says: "Who shall ascend G‑d's mountain? One with clean hands..." "And these negative forces come and attach themselves to him, revealing mundane matters in dreams... Sometimes they mock him or show him false things or cause distress." See Zohar Vayikra (4:25a-b) at length.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches practical ways to inspire continued Torah study, maintain focus during prayer and learning, understand dreams' origins, strengthen faith through Chassidus study, and respond constructively—not argumentatively—to opposition against Chassidus.